Intrathecal Delivery of Viruses in a Mouse Model for Treating Central Nervous System Diseases

Abstract

Source: Li, D., et al. Direct Intrathecal Injection of Recombinant Adeno-associated Viruses in Adult Mice. J. Vis. Exp. (2019)

This video demonstrates the procedure for the intrathecal injection of adeno-associated viruses (AAV) into the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of an awake mouse, covering syringe preparation, spinal alignment, and precise needle insertion. This method validates targeted gene delivery, supporting its potential for CNS therapies.

Protocol

All procedures involving animal models have been reviewed by the local institutional animal care committee and the JoVE veterinary review board.

1. Preparation of 20% Lidocaine Hydrochloride Stock Solution

1. Weigh 2 g of lidocaine hydrochloride. Add 5–6 mL of sterile water and vortex gently. Increase the volume to 10 mL with sterile water.
2. 1.2 Filter the stock solution through 0.2-micron filters. Aliquot the stock solution, 1 mL per 1.5 mL microcentrifuge tube, and seal it with a sealing film. Store at 4 °C.

2. Direct Intrathecal AAV Delivery in Awake Mice

1. Wipe the work area using sterile gauze with....

Materials

List of materials used in this article

Name	Company	Catalog Number	Comments
FVB/NJ mice	Charles River Laboratories China
Lidocaine hydrochloride monohydrate	HEOWNS	73-78-9
AAV	Viral Vector Core of the Gene Therapy Center at University of Massachusetts Medical School
25µL Hamilton syringe/27-30g needle	GASTIGHT	1702
70% Ethanol	WEN ZHI
Gauze	Wei AN	5171112	8cm*10cm*12cm